Interview with Ravi Balakrishnan, Managing Director of aluplast India

An exclusive interview with Ravi Balakrishnan, Managing Director of aluplast India, a leading system providers of uPVC windows, doors, and roller shutters

We are honored to have the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Ravi Balakrishnan, the distinguished Managing Director of aluplast India. With a stellar reputation as one of the leading system providers of uPVC windows, doors, roller shutters, and controlled domestic ventilation systems in Europe, aluplast stands at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

Under Mr. Balakrishnan’s leadership, aluplast India has made significant strides, contributing to the evolution of the fenestration industry. Today, we delve into Mr. Balakrishnan’s wealth of experience, exploring his insights into the industry, leadership philosophy, and the strategies that have propelled aluplast India to its prominent position.

Can you tell us about your background and how you came to be the Managing Director of Aluplast India?

Ravi Balakrishnan:  I have around 30 years of professional experience, handling various roles in Project Management, Operations, Global sourcing and Sales and Marketing. A big part of my career was with Saint-Gobain, and it gave me the opportunity to work with various building materials with consistent commitment to achieving results and fostering growth.

When I came across the opportunity at Aluplast I was drawn to its vision and potential in India. Through my proven leadership, strategic vision, and alignment with the company’s values, I was selected to take on the role of managing director.

How would you describe the journey of Aluplast India since its establishment, and what are the key milestones achieved under your leadership?

Ravi Balakrishnan: aluplast GmbH is a family-owned business from Germany with a rich history of more than 40years. In India, aluplast started its manufacturing plant in Baroda in 2016. I have joined aluplast in 2022 and the key focus was to increase the market share and improve operational efficiency.

Towards this we have successfully launched new series of profiles specifically designed for the Indian customers. Additionally, we have also implemented SAP in our plant which has significantly improved efficiency and streamed lined our supply chain. Today, we have the best range and service when it comes to laminated profiles.

How do you see the uPVC window industry evolving in the coming years, and what trends are you currently observing?

Ravi Balakrishnan: In India the Industry is still at a very nascent stage. However, what we are seeing a clear trend towards more laminated profiles. Most of villas and premium builders are opting for a Wood Finish ( woodec range) or powder coated aluminium finish ( aludec range).

People are becoming more aware of the functionalities & aesthetics that premium products can offer- especially noise insulation and thermal insulation. Keeping pace with these trends while maintain product quality will be crucial for industry growth.

What challenges do you perceive in the current market, and how is Aluplast addressing them?

Ravi Balakrishnan: The market is very fragmented and due to lack of regulations there are lot of low quality products flooding the market. aluplast with its strong German engineering and global footprint was clear from its inception that no compromises will be made in the quality.

This has resulted in a slightly lower growth rate India, however the brand has now established itself synonymous to high quality.

Aluplast is a global name. How does the company approach market expansion, and are there any specific regions or countries where you see significant potential for growth? 

Ravi Balakrishnan: aluplast has a manufacturing footprint in 10 countries across the world. aluplast India is catering to the Asia-pacific region and products manufactured in Vadodara plant are being exported to the Middle East, Malaysia, and Australia to name a few.

We see robust growth potential in India due to strong housing demand. Also markets like Australia are offering big opportunities due to need for better thermal insulation mandated by the new regulation

How does Aluplast ensure customer satisfaction, and what measures are in place to gather and incorporate customer feedback into product development?

Ravi Balakrishnan: Customer Satisfaction is a priority, and we employ various measures to gather and incorporate feedback into our product development process. We have a strong technical team which supports our fabrication partners in all aspects of fabrication and installation.

During this process, we collect direct feedback, which is then analysed for insights and further helping us refine existing range of products and develop new ones. All our partners are also connected through a portal for technical calculations and support which enhances their efficiency.

For individuals aspiring to lead in the industry, what advice would you give them based on your own experiences?

Ravi Balakrishnan: Consistent long-term performance is any day better than sporadic high performance. What is important is to have clear vision and not get distracted by short-term challenges.

What is your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs

Ravi Balakrishnan: This is an opportune time for an entrepreneur, especially in India with multiple favourable factors helping them to succeed.  As I mentioned earlier, having a long-term goal and chasing the same with persistence is key to success.

In conclusion, our conversation with Mr. Ravi Balakrishnan has been a captivating journey into the world of fenestration and innovation. As the Managing Director of aluplast India, he has shared invaluable perspectives on the company’s trajectory, the dynamic uPVC market, and the vision that propels aluplast towards continued success.

Mr. Balakrishnan’s commitment to excellence and his strategic leadership have undoubtedly played pivotal roles in shaping aluplast India’s reputation as a frontrunner in the industry. We extend our gratitude to Mr. Balakrishnan for providing us with such insightful glimpses into the world of aluplast India and for sharing his expertise with our audience.

Read more Success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs & startups stories at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn